Scotty Barnhart, Atlanta native, author and Professor of Jazz Trumpet at Florida State University, is also the the Director of the Count Basie Jazz Orchestra, which performs Wednesday evening as part of the Jazz Roots Series at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. He called in to chat with Jay Edwards, jazz educator and host of Jazz Tones, Saturdays 2p-6p on WCLK.

Count Basie's music, characterized by a blues-steeped jumping beat and contrapuntal piano accents, was a showcase for top-singers. This evening, we honor two great singers whose performances with the Count reached legendary proportions. Joe Williams, the blues legend will be presented by DownBeat poll winner Kevin Mahogany. Janis Siegel, as a member of the eight-time Grammy winning group - Manhattan Transfer, will pay homage to the great jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. To top off this momentous evening, we will present the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Get ready to swing the night away!